Predictive double-release alarm belt

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for monitoring the location of a patient using a double-release alarm belt. The belt may include a plurality of straps configured to be releasably attached to one another and an alarm system that is triggered when at least one of the straps is disengaged from the other strap or straps. One strap may be disengaged from another strap by pulling the first strap in a first direction and another strap may be disengaged from the yet another strap by pulling in a second direction. By requiring multiple straps to be released from one another, the amount of time it takes to remove the belt can be increased, which provides medical personnel additional time to reach a patient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/540,879 filed on Aug. 3, 2017 and titledPredictive Double Release Alarm Belt, the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of fallprevention devices. More particularly, the present invention relates toa device that allows medical personnel to monitor the location ofvarious patients. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention relates to a belt that can be secured about a device on whicha patient sits or lays that alerts medical personnel when the belt isremoved or partially removed.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Falls and fall-related injuries pose significant health issues,especially for elderly individuals, To address these health issues,various fall-prevention equipment is commonly used in hospitals, assistcare facilities, nursing homes, senior citizen facilities, and any otherlocations to protect patients and residents. For instance, varioussensors, alarms, and other devices are used to monitor the location andmovement of individuals. By way of example, many pieces of furniture,including chairs, beds, wheelchairs, toilets, and the like, featuresensors that alert medical personnel when an individual exits thesepieces of furniture. In the event an individual stands up, the sensorcan trip an alarm that alerts medical personnel. Once the alarm issounded, appropriate attention can be given to the individual who maynot be steady on his or her feet.

One such type of fall-prevention equipment relates to belts that arewrapped around a patient who is sitting in a chair or lying in a bed. Inthe event the individual wishes to get up from the chair or bed, he orshe must disengage the belt. Once the fastener of the belt isdisengaged, an alarm is sounded to alert the medical staff.

While these fall-prevention belts are helpful, further improvements aredesired. For instance, current fall-prevention belts resembletraditional belts, which can be disengaged quickly and easily by simplyseparating the first end and the second end at a single release point.Once the first end and the second end are disengaged about the singlerelease point such that the belt is completely separated, an alarm issounded. As a result, once the alarm is sounded, the patient is able toimmediately stand up and move around, as desired. This means that themedical personnel must act immediately, and even then, the patient mayhave stood up, moved, or fallen down.

Additionally, traditional fall-prevention belts are expensive, requiringthem to be reused. In many settings, such as household settings, this isnot an issue. However, in hospital settings, sterility concerns requireextensive cleaning before a fall-prevention belt is ready to be reused.This also adds to the cost of using and maintaining fall preventionbelts.

What is needed, therefore, is a fall-prevention alarm belt thataddresses at least the issues outlined above. More specifically, analarm belt that provides medical personnel with additional time to reachthe patient before the patient is able to stand up is needed. Similarly,an alarm belt that requires additional time for a patient to disengageis further needed. Further, what is needed is an affordable, disposablefall-prevention belt that can be installed to a chair, a bed, or anotherpiece of furniture on which a patient is sitting or lying.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

By way of summary, the present invention is directed to a double-releasealarm belt that is used with a device that holds or supports a patient.A primary object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allowsmedical personnel to monitor the location of the patient relative to thedevice. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus thatis affordable and disposable for industries where sterility concerns areprevalent.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, these objects areachieved by providing an apparatus having at least three straps, a cordconfigured to detect movement of at least one of the straps, and analarm system connected to the cord. The at least three straps may bereleasably secured to one another around the device and the patient. Forinstance, the at least three straps may include a first elongated strap,a second elongated strap releasably attached to the first elongatedstrap, a third elongated strap, and a fourth elongated strap releasablyattached to the third elongated strap.

The at least three straps may be disengaged from the device and thepatient by moving a first strap in a first direction and then moving asecond strap in a second direction. Once the first strap is moved in thefirst direction, the cord may provide a transmission to the alarm systemthat results in the sounding of the alarm system. For instance, thethird elongated strap may be disengaged from the fourth elongated strapby pulling the third elongated strap in the first direction. Once thisoccurs, the alarm system may be triggered. Thereafter, the firstelongated strap may be disengaged from the second elongated strap bypulling the second elongated strap in the second direction opposite thefirst direction.

The apparatus may also include first, second, third, and fourthfasteners. For instance, the first fastener may be located on an upperside of the first elongated strap. The second fastener may be located onan underside of the second elongated strap, such that the secondfastener is configured to releasably fasten to the first fastener.Additionally, the third fastener may be located on an underside of thethird elongated strap. Finally, the fourth fastener may be located on anupper side of the fourth elongated strap, such that the first fasteneris configured to releasably fasten to the third fastener. Also, a bondbetween the third fastener and the fourth fastener may be weaker than abond between the first fastener and the second fastener.

Further still, the apparatus may include first and second handles. Thefirst handle may be mounted to an upper side of the third elongatedstrap. This allows the third elongated strap to be disengaged from thefourth elongated strap by pulling on the first handle. The second handlemay be mounted to an upper side of the second elongated strap to allowthe second elongated strap to be disengaged from the first elongatedstrap.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, these objects areachieved by providing an apparatus comprising an inventivedouble-release alarm belt with a first elongated strap, a secondelongated strap, a shortened strap, a cord, and an alarm system. Thefirst elongated strap, the second elongated strap, the shortened strap,and the cord can be disposable, or they can be reusable.

The first elongated strap may have a first end, a second end, amidportion located between the first and the second end, an upper side,and an underside. The first elongated strap may also have a hookmechanism that is attached to the first end of the first elongatedstrap. The hook mechanism may be used to engage a second end of thesecond elongated strap. More specifically, the hook mechanism maycomprise a first ring and a second ring where the second end of thesecond elongated strap is threaded through the first ring and the secondring. Additionally, the first elongated strap may have a first fastenerextending along the underside of the second end of the first elongatedstrap.

The shortened strap may also have a first end, a second end, an upperside, and an underside. The shortened strap may be attached to themidportion of the first elongated strap about the first end of theshortened strap. Additionally, a second fastener may extend along theupper side of the shortened strap from the first end of the shortenedstrap to the second end of the shortened strap.

Similarly, the second elongated strap may have a first end, a secondend, an intermediate portion located between the first end and thesecond end, an upper side, and an underside. A third fastener may extendalong the underside of the first end of the second elongated strap and afourth fastener may extend along the upper side of the intermediateportion.

The first fastener may he releasably engaged by the fourth fastener, andthe second fastener may he releasably engaged by the third fastener.More specifically, the first fastener may be releasably held togetherwith the fourth fastener by a first bond and the second fastener may hereleasably held together with the second fastener by a second bond. Thefirst bond may be weaker than the second bond. This allows the bondbetween the first fastener and the fourth fastener to be easily broken.It is more difficult to break the bond between the second fastener andthe third fastener. In this way, a patient can easily break the firstbond, but it will be more difficult to break the second bond. Also, thefirst fastener is disengaged from the fourth fastener using a firstforce and the second fastener is disengaged from the fourth fastenerusing a second force. The first force is less than the second force.Each of the fasteners may be selected from one of a hook fastener and aloop fastener.

The cord is associated with the first elongated strap, the secondelongated strap, and the shortened strap and is in communication with analarm system. If the first fastener is disengaged from the fourthfastener as monitored by the cord, the alarm system will generate anaudible sound. This will notify medical personnel that there is riskthat the patient is preparing to leave the device before the patient isactually able to leave the device. To disengage the various fasteners,the first fastener is disengaged from the fourth fastener when the firstfastener is pulled in a first direction. Next, the second fastener maybe disengaged from the third fastener by pulling in a second direction,which is opposite to the first direction. By requiring the patient topull in the first direction and then the second direction, it takesadditional time to disengage the double-release alarm belt in comparisonto previous belts.

The inventive double-release belt may also include a first handle thatis mounted to the upper side of the second end of the first elongatedstrap. Thus, the first handle is used to disengage the first fastenerfrom the fourth fastener. The double-release belt also may include asecond handle mounted to the upper side of the first end of the secondelongated strip. Therefore, the second handle is used to disengage thefirst fastener from the fourth fastener.

The double-release belt preferably may also include a fifth fastener.The fifth fastener may be associated with the second end of the secondelongated strap. The fifth fastener may be used to secure the firstelongated strap, the second elongated strap, and the shortened strap ina wrapped position. Additionally, the fifth fastener may be used tosecure the second end of the second elongated strap to thedouble-release belt once installed.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, these objects areachieved by providing a method of using the double-release alarm beltwith a device holding a patient. The first step of the method iswrapping the double-release arm belt around the patient. Next, thedouble-release alarm belt is wrapped around the device. A first end ofthe double-release alarm belt is then engaged with a second end of thedouble-release alarm belt to secure the first and second ends to oneanother. Next, an alarm system is connected to the double-release alarmbelt by a cord.

The method may include additional steps. The first elongated strap maybe disengaged from the second elongated strap about a first portion. Forinstance, a first handle can be pulled to disengage the first elongatedstrap from the second elongated strap about a first portion. When thisoccurs, an audible alarm can be created by the alarm system.Additionally, the first elongated strap may be disengaged from thesecond elongated strap about a second portion. For instance, a secondhandle can be pulled to disengage the first elongated strap from thesecond elongated strap about a second portion. When this occurs, thepatient is released so that he or she can move away from the device.Also, the first end of the double-release alarm belt may be threadedthrough a first ring and a second ring associated with the second end ofthe double-release belt. When this occurs, the belt is snug about thepatient. Additionally, the first end of the double-release alarm beltcan be secured in place using a hook and loop fastener.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a double-releasealarm belt for use with a device holding a patient may include a firstelongated strap, a shortened strap, a second elongated strap, and analarm system. The shortened strap may extend from the first elongatedstrap. The second elongated strap may be configured to be releasablyattached to the first elongated strap and to be releasably attached tothe shortened strap. The alarm system is triggered when the secondelongated strap is disengaged from the first elongated strap. The secondelongated strap may be disengaged from the first elongated strap bypulling the first elongated strap in a first direction. The secondelongated strap may also be disengaged from the shortened strap bypulling the second elongated strap in a second direction opposite thefirst direction.

These, and other aspects and objects of the present invention will bebetter appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction withthe following description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention, and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the inventivepredictive double-release alarm belt of FIG. 1 where a first elongatedstrap associated with the belt is separate from a second elongatedstrap;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of another inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the inventivepredictive double-release alarm belt of FIG. 3 where a first elongatedstrap associated with the belt is separate from a second elongatedstrap;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt in a wrapped position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIG. 5 once a fifth fastener is disengagedallowing the alarm belt to be unwrapped;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5 and 6, as it is unwrapped with acord that is associated with an alarm belt and an alarm system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-7 in a further unwrapped positionshowing a second elongated strap;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-8 in a further unwrapped positionshowing a first elongated strap;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS, 5-9 in a further unwrapped position;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-10 in a fully unwrapped position;

FIG. 12 illustrates another perspective view of the underside of theinventive predictive double-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-11 in a hillyunwrapped position;

FIG. 13 illustrates another perspective view of the top side of theinventive predictive double-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-12 in a fullyunwrapped position;

FIG. 14 illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-13, and more specifically, a firsthandle located about a second end of the first elongated strap;

FIG. 15 illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-14 and, more specifically, thesecond end of the first elongated strap being pulled in a firstdirection away from an intermediate portion of the second elongatedstrap to separate a first fastener from a fourth fastener;

FIG. 16 illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-15 and, more specifically, thesecond end of the first elongated strap being pulled away from anintermediate portion of the second elongated strap after the bondbetween the first fastener and the fourth fastener has been broken;

FIG. 17 illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-16 and, more specifically, a secondhandle mounted to an upper surface of the first end of the secondelongated strap once the bond between the first fastener and the fourthfastener has been broken;

FIG. 18 illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-17 and, more specifically, adetailed view of the second handle mounted to an upper surface of thefirst end of the second elongated strap;

FIG. 19 illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-18 and, more specifically, a firstend of the second elongated strap being pulled in a second directionaway from an upper side of a shortened strap attached to the firstelongated strap to separate a second fastener from a third fastener;

FIG. 20 illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt of FIGS. 5-19, where the first elongated strapis separated from the second elongated strap such that the belt iscompletely disengaged;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt that is mounted around a patient and a devicethe patient is sitting or lying on;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictivedouble-release alarm belt in a preferred position relative to thepatient and a device that the patient is resting on;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a hook mechanism associatedwith the first elongated strap where the fifth fastener is engaged withthe belt so that the excess strap at the second end of the secondelongated strap is secured;

FIG. 24 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventivepredictive double-release alarm belt where the first elongated strap,the shortened strap, and the second elongated strap are attached to oneanother;

FIG. 25 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventivepredictive double-release alarm belt where the first elongated strap isbeing pulled in a first direction away from the intermediate portion ofthe second elongated strap to separate the first fastener from thefourth fastener;

FIG. 26 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventivepredictive double-release alarm belt where the second elongated strap isbeing pulled in a second direction opposite the first direction from theshortened strap that is attached to the first elongated strap toseparate the second fastener from the third fastener;

FIG. 27 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of theinventive predictive alarm belt of the present invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive alarmbelt of FIG. 27, as it is being secured to a device or piece offurniture;

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive alarmbelt before the elongated straps are engaged with one another;

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive alarmbelt after a patient is secured to the device or piece of furniture;

FIG. 31 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventivepredictive double-release alarm belt where first, second, third, andfourth elongated straps are attached to one another;

FIG. 32 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventivepredictive double-release alarm belt where the first elongated strap isbeing pulled in a first direction away from the second elongated strapto separate the first fastener from the fourth fastener;

FIG. 33 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventivepredictive double-release belt where the second elongated strap is movedaway from the third elongated strap and the fourth elongated strap; and

FIG. 34 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventivepredictive double-release alarm belt where the third elongated strap isbeing pulled in a second direction away from the fourth elongated strapto separate the second fastener from the third fastener.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which isillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, thewords “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used.They are not limited to direct connection but include connection throughother elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalentby those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments described in detail in the following description.

1. System Overview

The current invention relates to a belt with two releasable strapsportions which is connected to an alarm that can he secured around anoccupant of a chair, bed, or other supporting device to monitor patientmovement non-invasively. When a first releasable strap portion isdisengaged by pulling in a first direction, an alarm will sound. Thesecond releasable strap portion can then be disengaged by pulling in asecond direction, which is opposite to the first direction. This givesan early warning to the medical personnel before the occupant attemptsto exit the chair or bed. As a result, the necessary staff has time tointervene to assist the occupant who may be a fall risk. The belt couldeither be disposable or reusable based on the materials used. Byoffering both disposable and reusable belts, cost efficiency can beoptimized depending on the specific context in which the belt is used.This invention is superior to previous sensor pads or alarms thattypically only sound once the occupant has already exited the chair,bed, or other supporting device.

2. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The inventive double-release alarm belt 30 is generally shown in thefigures. The double-release alarm belt 30 is used to monitor theposition of a patient 34 or other individual who is resting on a supportdevice 32, for instance, a chair, a bed, a wheel chair, a cardiac chair,a recliner, or other furniture. The double-release alarm belt 30 has afirst elongated strap 36, a second elongated strap 64, and an alarmsystem 80. The double-release alarm belt 30 may also include a shortenedstrap 52. The first elongated strap 36, the second elongated strap 64,and the shortened strap 52 may be releasably affixed to one anotherabout a first portion 112 and a second portion 114, as will be furtherdescribed below. When the first elongated strap 36 and the secondelongated strap 64 are disengaged about the first portion 112, the alarmsystem 80 may create an audible alarm. In this way, the double-releasealarm belt 30 provides medical personnel with an advanced warning beforethe patient 34 is able to disengage the second elongated strap 64 fromthe shortened strap 52 about the second portion 114 to get up from thedevice 32.

Initially, the first elongated strap 36 will be described. The firstelongated strap 36 can be seen, for instance, in FIGS. 2 and 4. Thefirst elongated strap 36 has a first end 38, a second end 40 oppositethe first end 38, and a midportion 42 located between the first end 38and the second end 40. Additionally, the first elongated strap 36 mayhave an upper side 44 and an underside 46. A hook mechanism 48 may beattached to the first end 38 of the first elongated strap 36. The hookmechanism 48 may include a first ring 94 and a second ring 96.Additionally, a first fastener 50 may be associated with the firstelongated strap 36. As shown, the first fastener 50 extends along theunderside of the first end 38 of the first elongated strap 36.Additionally, the first elongated strap 36 may have a first handle 86that is mounted to the upper side 44 of the first elongated strap 36along the second end 40. The length of the first handle 86 may besubstantially the same length of the first fastener 50.

Moving on, the shortened strap 52 also has a first end 54 and a secondend 56 opposite the first end 54, as well as an upper side 58 and anunderside 60. The shortened strap 52 is best seen in FIG. 20. As shown,the first end 54 may be attached to the midportion 42 of the firstelongated strap 36. Additionally, a second fastener 62 extends along theupper side 58 of the shortened strap 52 from the first end 54 of theshortened strap 52 to the second end 56 of the shortened strap 52.

Next, the second elongated strap 64 will be described, which again isbest seen in FIGS. 2 and 4. Somewhat similar to the first elongatedstrap 36, the second elongated strap 64 has a first end 66, a second end68, and an intermediate portion 70 located between the first end 66 andthe second end 68. The second elongated strap 64 may also have an upperside 72 and an underside 74. Additionally, a third fastener 76 and afourth fastener 78 may be associated with the second elongated strap 64.More specifically, the third fastener 76 may be mounted along theunderside 74 of the first end 66 of the second elongated strap 64. Thefourth fastener 78 may be mounted along the upper side 72 of theintermediate portion 70. Also, the second elongated strap 64 may have ahandle 88 that is mounted to the upper side 72 of the second elongatedstrap 64 along the first end 66. Further still, the second elongatedstrap 64 may have a fifth fastener 90 located about the second end 68.The fifth fastener 90 can hold the double-release alarm belt 30 in awrapped position 92, as shown in FIG. 5. FIGS. 6-11 show thedouble-release alarm belt 30 as it is unwrapped. Additionally, the fifthfastener 90 can be used to secure the second end to the double-releasealarm belt 30 once installed about the patient 34 and the device 32.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20, each of the fasteners 50,62, 76, 78 may be selected from one of a hook fastener 106 and a loopfastener 108. Other types of fasteners could similarly be used, such assnaps, adhesive, ties, and the like. Additionally, as shown, thecompatible fasteners can be color-coded to simplify the assembly orre-assembly process. For instance, the first fastener 50 and the fourthfastener 78 are made of white hook and loop fasteners. Similarly, thesecond fastener 62 and the third fastener 76 are made of blue hook andloop fasteners. In this way, medical personnel can easily re-assemblethe double-release alarm belt 30 without risk of engaging the wrongfasteners with one another. This is especially helpful where thedouble-release alarm belt 30 is reusable. Also, the handles 86, 88 canbe a different color from the rest of the double-release alarm belt 30,so that they can more easily be seen and distinguished from the otherparts of the belt 30. For instance, the handles 86, 88 may be afluorescent yellow.

Each of the first elongated strap 36, the shortened strap 52, and thesecond elongated strap 64 may be disposable. Additionally, the cord 110,which can be disengaged from the alarm system 80, can also bedisposable. For instance, the disposable version of the belt 30 could bemade of a silver conductive fabric, as well as a nylon or foam laminate.These materials are typically less expensive in comparison to thematerials needed to manufacture previous reusable belts. Additionally,the disposable version could have hook and loop fasteners as opposed tobuckles, which can be expensive. For instance, the disposable materialsmay be 25-75% less expensive than those associate with traditionalbelts, and more preferably 40-50% less expensive than traditional belts.Such a configuration would be especially appealing in situations wherethe double-release alarm belt 30 is used in hospital settings or otherenvironments where sterility must be maintained. By having an affordabledisposable alarm belt 30, the belt 30 can simply be thrown away afteruse without the need to sterilize a previously-used belt, which can betime-consuming and costly. Alternatively, in situations where sterilityis not a concern, the double-release alarm belt 30 could be reusable.For instance, such a configuration could include materials, such asnylon webbing, seat belt buckles, biothan webbing, and silver conductivefabric. Alternatively, any aspect of the belt 30 could be made of anyother number of materials, including non-woven materials, such asplastic or paper. Regardless of the material, the belt 30 is preferablyconfigured to be able to withhold forces of over 100 pounds beforefailure.

Possible dimensions of the first elongated strap 36, the shortened strap52, and the second elongated strap 64 will now be described. However, itshould be noted that straps of various dimensions may be used toaccommodate different uses. Additionally, it should be noted that largerstraps could be used for patients with larger waist sizes or for usewith larger chairs, beds, cardiac chairs, recliners, and the like.

For instance, the length of the double-release alarm belt 30 could beapproximately 60-100 inches in length and, more preferably,approximately 78 inches, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally,typical belts 30 will be approximately 2 inches in height, althoughagain, different dimensioned belts could be used as required by thespecific use. In such an embodiment, the first elongated strap 36 couldbe 20-40 inches, and more preferably 27.5 inches. Additionally, in thisembodiment the second elongated strap 64 could be between 75-105 inches,and more preferably 90 inches.

An alternative double-release alarm belt 30 could be much longer, forinstance, the length of the double-release alarm belt could beapproximately 70-110 inches in length and, more preferably,approximately 92 inches as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Additionally, typicalbelts 30 will be approximately 2 inches in height, although again,different dimensioned belts could be used as required by the specificuse. In this embodiment, the first elongated strap 36 could be 25-55inches, and more preferably 40 inches. Additionally, in this embodimentthe second elongated strap 64 could be between 75-105 inches, and morepreferably 90 inches. As such, the same second elongated strap 64 couldbe used with either embodiment, with different first elongated straps 36being used, depending on how the belt 30 will be used.

Functionality of the cord 110 and alarm system 80 will now be described.The cord 110 is embedded within the second elongated strap 64 andmonitors the locations of the first fastener 50 and fourth fastener 78.More specifically, when the fourth fastener 78 is pulled away from thefirst fastener 50, the cord 110 transmits this information to the alarmsystem 80, and the alarm system 80 generates an audible alarm. Forinstance, an electrical circuit can be completed where the first andfourth fasteners 50, 78 are connected to one another. When thesefasteners 50, 78 are pulled apart from one another, the electricalcircuit can be interrupted. Once the circuit is interrupted, the alarmcan be triggered. Alternatively, a cord need not be included with thesystem, but instead, a wireless or Bluetooth system could be used towirelessly trigger the alarm system 80 to generate the audible alarmwhen the first fastener 50 and the fourth fastener 78 are separated. Thedouble-release alarm belt 30 can be used with any number of variousfall-prevention alarm systems, as known to those of skill in the art.For instance, the belt 30 can be used with various POSEY fail alarms,including POSEY KEEPSAFE, POSEY KEEPSAFE DELUXE, POSEY KEEPSAFE SCOUT,and POSEY SITTER ELITE fall alarms.

To assemble the double-release alarm belt 30, the first fastener 50 isreleasably engaged with the fourth fastener 78 and the second fastener62 is releasably engaged with the third fastener 76. Once thedouble-release alarm belt 30 has been assembled, it can be installedabout the patient 34. Initially the patient 34 is seated or laid onto apiece supporting equipment device 32, for instance, chairs, beds,recliners, and the like, as shown in FIG. 21. The belt 30 is wrappedaround the patient's waist with the hook mechanism 48 located behind thepatient 34. See FIGS. 21 and 22. Preferably, the belt 30 is located atapproximately a 45. degree angle relative to the ground, although thespecific angle could vary depending on the comfort of the patient 34, asshown in FIG. 22. The position of the first end 38 of the firstelongated strap 36 and the second end 68 of the second elongated strap64 should be positioned behind the device 32, as shown a chair back, aslow as possible so that the belt 30 cannot slide up off the chair. Next,the second end 68 of the second elongated strap 64 is threaded throughthe hook mechanism 48, as shown in FIG. 23. More specifically, thesecond end 68 of the second elongated strap 64 is first threaded throughthe first ring 94 and the second ring 96, then back over one ring andthrough the other, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thesecond end 68 is then tightened so that it is securely held within thehook mechanism 48 so that the belt 30 is snug about the patient 34 andthe supporting device 32. The medical personnel can verify that the belt30 is not overly constricting by sliding an open hand between the belt30 and the patient 34. Finally, a fifth fastener 90 located on thesecond end 68 of the second elongated strap 64 is engaged with a side ofthe double belt 30 as shown in FIG. 23. In this way, the loose secondend 68 does not hang down on to the floor. Finally, the alarm cord 110is connected to the alarm system 80 by inserting a jack 116 into a port118 of the alarm system. Thereafter, the alarm system 80 is turned on.

Once the belt 30 has been installed, the position of the patient 34about the device 32 can be monitored. In the event that the patient 34begins to disengage the double-release alarm belt 30, the medicalpersonnel will be notified. This first occurs when the first fastener 50and fourth fastener 78 are pulled apart with a first force 102, suchthat the bond 98 between these fasteners 50, 78 is interrupted, as seenin FIGS. 15, 16, and 25. Preferably, due to the locations of thefasteners 50, 78 relative to the first elongated strap 36 and the secondelongated strap 64, the separation of the first fastener 50 and thefourth fastener 78 occurs by pulling the second end 56 of the firstelongated strap 36 in a first direction 82. See FIG. 25. As describedabove, once the first fastener 50 and the fourth fastener 78 are pulledapart, the alarm will sound to notify medical personnel that the patient34 is trying to get out of the device 32. Next, the second fastener 62and the third fastener 76 are pulled apart with a second force 104, suchthat the bond 100 between these fasteners 62, 76 is interrupted as seenin FIGS. 19, 20, and 26. The first force 102 required to disengage thefirst fastener 50 and the fourth fasteners 78 is less than the secondforce 104 required to disengage the second fastener 62 and the thirdfastener 76. Due to the locations of the fasteners 62, 76 relative tothe first elongated strap 36 and the second elongated strap 64, theseparation of the second fastener 62 and the third fastener 76 occurs bypulling the first end 66 of the second elongated strap 64 in a seconddirection 84. See FIG. 26. Preferably, the first direction 82 is in theopposite direction as the second direction 84. This results in increasedtime and difficulty for the patient 34 to remove the double-releasealarm belt 30 than if the patient 34 simply had to repeatedly pull twoseparate belts in the same direction.

Furthermore, the bond 98 between the first fastener 50 and the fourthfastener 78 can be weaker than the bond 100 between the second fastener62 and the third fastener 76. In this way, the patient 34 can moreeasily disengage the first fastener 50 from the fourth fastener 78, atwhich time the alarm will be sounded. Thereafter, due to the strongerbond 100 between the second fastener 62 and the third fastener 76, itwill be more difficult for the patient 34 to disengage these fasteners62, 76. This makes it more difficult for the second bond 100 to bebroken, which increases the amount of time that medical staff has toapproach the patient 34 after the initial alarm has been sounded. Inthis way, potential falls of the patient can be minimized.

A method of using the double-release alarm belt 30 will now bedescribed. Initially, the double-release alarm belt 30 is wrapped aroundthe patient 34 as well as the device 32. Next, the first end 38 isengaged with the second end 68 to secure the ends 38, 68 to one another.Additionally, an alarm system 80 is connected to the double-releasealarm belt 30, for instance, by a cord 110. Next, the first elongatedstrap 36 can be disengaged from the second elongated strap 64 about afirst portion 112. This can occur When the first handle 86 is pulled todisengage the first elongated strap 36 from the second elongated strap64 about the first portion 112. Once the straps 36, 64 are disengagedabout the first portion 112, the alarm system 80 creates an audiblealarm. For instance, this may occur where an electrical circuit isinterrupted. Alternatively, various sensors can be used to detect whenthe straps 36, 64 are disengaged about the first portion 112, Of course,the alarm may be sounded using any other ways known to those of ordinaryskill in the art to detect when the two straps 36, 64 are disengagedfrom one another. Thereafter, the first elongated strap 36 can bedisengaged from the second elongated strap 64 about a second portion114. This can occur when the second handle 88 is pulled to disengage thefirst elongated strap 36 from the second elongated strap 64 about thesecond portion 114. Thereafter, the patient 34 is released such that heor she can move away from the device 32. Additional steps may includethreading the second end 68 of the double-release alarm belt 30 throughthe first ring 94 and the second ring 96 associated with the first end38 of the belt 30 until the double-release alarm belt 30 is snug aboutthe patient 34. Also, the second end 68 of the double,-release alarmbelt 30 may be held in place using a hook and loop fastener 90.

Another embodiment of the double-release alarm belt 230 is shown inFIGS. 27-34. The components found in FIGS. 27-34 that have beenpreviously described will he designated by the same reference numbers asthose provided above incremented by 200. The double-release alarm belt230 is used to monitor the position of a patient 234 or other individualwho is resting on a support device 232, as shown a bed. Thedouble-release alarm belt 230 has a first elongated strap 236, a secondelongated strap 264, and an alarm system 280. The double-release alarmbelt 230 may also include a third elongated strap 320 and a fourthelongated strap 322. Additionally, the double-release alarm belt 230includes a base 350 with a middle portion 352 and first and second ends354, 356 having fasteners that can wrap around the support device 232.For instance, the ends 354, 356 could have hook-and-loop fasteners 358,as seen in FIG. 28. Of course, other fasteners could similarly be usedto secure the belt 230 to the device 232. Once the ends 354, 356 arewrapped around the device 232, as shown frame portions of the bed, theycan be fastened to themselves to secure the belt 230 in place. Themiddle portion 352 may be made of a thin, low-friction material thatallows the patient 234 to lay on the middle portion 352 without feelingthe middle portion 352. Additionally, the middle portion 352 can be madeof a durable, thin, moisture-wicking fabric that ensures comfort of thepatient 234 once the belt 230 is installed. This ensures that integrityabout the belt 230 can be maintained while the patient 234 does not feelthe middle portion 352.

The first elongated strap 236 and the second elongated strap 264 may bereleasably affixed to one another about a first portion 312, and thethird elongated strap 320 and the fourth elongated strap 322 may bereleasably affixed to one another about a second portion 314, as will befurther described below. When the first elongated strap 236 and thesecond elongated strap 264 are disengaged about the first portion 312,the alarm system 80 may create an audible alarm. In this way, thedouble-release alarm belt 230 provides medical personnel with anadvanced warning before the patient 234 is able to disengage the thirdelongated strap 320 from the fourth elongated strap 322 about the secondportion 314 to get up from the device 232.

initially, the first elongated strap 236 will be described. The firstelongated strap 236 can be seen, for instance, in FIG. 27. The firstelongated strap 236 has a first end 238, a second end 240 opposite thefirst end 238, and a midportion 242 located between the first end 238and the second end 240. Additionally, the first elongated strap 236 mayhave an upper side 244 and an underside 246. Also, a first fastener 250may be associated with the first elongated strap 236. As shown, thefirst fastener 250 extends along the upper side 244 of the firstelongated strap 236.

Still looking to FIG. 27, the second elongated strap 264 will bedescribed. The second elongated strap 264 has a first end 266, a secondend 268 opposite the first end 266, and a midportion 270 located betweenthe first end 238 and the second end 240. Additionally, the secondelongated strap 264 may have an upper side 272 and an underside 274.Further, a second fastener 262 may be associated with the secondelongated strap 264. As shown, the second fastener 262 extends along theunderside 274 of the second elongated strap 264. Additionally, thesecond elongated strap 264 may have a first handle 286 that is mountedto the upper side 272 of the second elongated strap 264.

Moving on, the third elongated strap 320 will be described. The thirdelongated strap 320 has a first end 324, a second end 326 opposite thefirst end 324, and a rnidportion 328 located between the first end 324and the second end 326. Additionally, the third elongated strap 320 mayhave an upper side 330 and an underside 332. Further, a third fastener334 may he associated with the third elongated strap 320. As shown, thethird fastener 334 extends along the underside 332 of the thirdelongated strap 320. Further still, the third elongated strap 320 mayhave a second handle 288 that is mounted to the upper side 330 of thethird elongated strap 320.

Moving on, the fourth elongated strap 322 will he described. The fourthelongated strap 322 has a first end 336, a second end 338 opposite thefirst end 336, and a midportion 340 located between the first end 336and the second end 338. Additionally, the fourth elongated strap 322 mayhave an upper side 342 and an underside 344. Also, a fourth fastener 346may be associated with the fourth elongated strap 322. As shown, thefourth fastener 346 extends along the upper side 342 of the fourthelongated strap 322.

Installation of the belt will now be described. First, the first andsecond ends of the base are secured to the device 232,110 as shown inFIG. 28. Next, the patient 234 is rested on the middle portion 352.Thereafter, the elongated straps are installed. initially, the firstelongated strap 236 is placed directly onto the patient 234. Thereafter,the second elongated strap 264 is placed on top of the first elongatedstrap 236. When this occurs, the first fastener 250 and the secondfastener 262 make contact with one another and are fastened to oneanother. Next, the fourth elongated strap 322 is placed on top of thesecond elongated strap 264. Finally, the third elongated strap 320 isplaced on top of the fourth elongated strap 322 such that the thirdfastener 334 and the fourth fastener 346 contact one another and arefastened together. Once this is complete, the double-release alarm belt230 is secured in place as seen in FIG. 30.

As described above, once the third fastener 334 and the fourth fastener346 are pulled apart by a first force 302, the alarm will sound tonotify medical personnel that the patient 234 is trying to get out ofthe device 232 as described above. Next, the first fastener 250 and thesecond fastener 262 are pulled apart with a second force 304, such thatthe bond 300 between these fasteners 250, 262 is interrupted. The firstforce 302 required to disengage the third fastener 334 and the fourthfastener 346 is less than the second force 304 required to disengage thefirst fastener 250 and the second fastener 262. Preferably, theseparation of the third and fourth fasteners 334, 346 occurs by pullingthe second handle 288 in a first direction 282 and the separation of thefirst and second fasteners 250, 256 occurs by pulling the first handle286 in a second direction 284 opposite the first direction 282. Thisresults in increased time and difficulty for the patient 234 to removethe double-release alarm belt 30 than if the patient 34 simply had torepeatedly pull two separate belts in the same direction.

Furthermore, the bond (not shown) between the third fastener 334 and thefourth fastener 346 can be weaker than. the bond (not shown) between thefirst fastener 250 and the second fastener 262. In this way, the patient34 can more easily disengage the third fastener 334 and the fourthfastener 346, at which time the alarm will be sounded. Thereafter, dueto the stronger bond between the first fastener 250 and the secondfastener 262, it will be more difficult for the patient 234 to disengagethese fasteners 250, 262. This makes it more difficult for the secondbond to be broken, which increases the amount of time that medical staffhas to approach the patient 234 after the initial alarm has beensounded. In this way, potential falls of the patient can be minimized.

All the disclosed embodiments are useful in conjunction with patientmonitoring. There are virtually innumerable uses for the presentinvention, all of which need not be detailed here. All the disclosedembodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out thepresent invention is disclosed above, practice of the present inventionis not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions,modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the presentinvention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of theunderlying inventive concept.

For example, additional elongated straps or shortened straps could beused in conjunction with the straps described above. Similarly,additional fasteners could also be used to increase the amount of timebetween when the patient begins to remove the belt and when the patientis actually able to get up from the device. Also, the fasteners need notbe in the exact locations described but could be located anywhere aboutthe various straps. In addition, the individual components need not befabricated from the disclosed materials but could be fabricated fromvirtually any suitable materials.

Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosedshapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could beprovided in virtually any shape and assembled in virtually anyconfiguration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosedembodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosedfeatures of every other disclosed embodiment except where such featuresare mutually exclusive.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions,modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the presentinvention are differentiated by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A double-release alarm belt for use with a deviceholding a patient comprising: at least three straps releasably securedto one another around the device and the patient; a cord configured todetect movement of at least one of the straps; and an alarm systemconnected to the cord; wherein the at least three straps are disengagedby: first moving a first strap in a first direction; and thereaftermoving a second strap in a second direction; wherein the cord isconfigured to sound the alarm system when the first strap is moved inthe first direction.
 2. The double-release alarm belt of claim 1wherein: the at least three straps further comprise: a first elongatedstrap; a shortened strap extending from the first elongated strap; and asecond elongated strap configured to be releasably attached to the firstelongated strap and configured to be releasably attached to theshortened strap; wherein the second elongated strap is disengaged fromthe first elongated strap by pulling the first elongated strap in thefirst direction; wherein the alarm system is triggered when the secondelongated strap is disengaged from the first elongated strap; andwherein the second elongated strap is disengaged from the shortenedstrap by pulling the second elongated strap in the second directionopposite the first direction.
 3. The double-release alarm belt of claim1 wherein: the at least three straps further comprise: a first elongatedstrap; a second elongated strap releasably attached to the firstelongated strap; a third elongated strap; and a fourth elongated strapreleasably attached to the third elongated strap; wherein the thirdelongated strap is disengaged from the fourth elongated strap by pullingthe third elongated strap in the first direction; wherein the alarmsystem is triggered when the third elongated strap is disengaged fromthe fourth elongated strap; and wherein the first elongated strap isdisengaged from the second elongated strap by pulling the secondelongated strap in the second direction opposite the first direction. 4.The double-release alarm belt of claim 3, further comprising: a firstfastener on an upper side of the first elongated strap; a secondfastener on an underside of the second elongated strap, wherein thesecond fastener is configured to releasably fasten to the firstfastener; a third fastener on an underside of the third elongated strap;a fourth fastener on an upper side of the fourth elongated strap,wherein the third fastener is configured to releasably fasten to thethird fastener; a first handle mounted to an upper side of the thirdelongated strap to allow the third elongated strap to be disengaged fromthe fourth elongated strap; and a second handle mounted to an upper sideof the second elongated strap to allow the second elongated strap to bedisengaged from the first elongated strap; wherein the bond between thethird fastener and the fourth fastener is weaker than the bond betweenthe first fastener and the second fastener.
 5. A method of using adouble-release alarm belt for use with a device holding a patientcomprising the steps of: wrapping the double-release alarm belt aroundthe patient and the device; the double-release alarm belt comprising: afirst elongated strap; and a second elongated strap releasably affixedto the first elongated strap; wrapping the double-release alarm beltaround the device; engaging a first end of the double-release alarm beltwith a second end of the double-release alarm belt to secure the firstand second ends to one another; and connecting an alarm system to thedouble-release alarm belt by a cord.
 6. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising the steps of: disengaging the first elongated strap from thesecond elongated strap about a first portion; enabling the alarm systemto create an audible alarm; and then disengaging the first elongatedstrap from the second elongated strap about the second portion.
 7. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the double-release alarm belt furthercomprises: a third elongated strap; and a fourth elongated strapreleasably affixed to the third elongated strap; and further comprisingthe steps of: disengaging the third elongated strap from the fourthelongated strap; enabling the alarm system to create an audible alarm;and then disengaging the first elongated strap from the second elongatedstrap.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:pulling a first handle to disengage the third elongated strap from thefourth elongated strap; enabling the alarm system to create an audiblealarm; and pulling a second handle to disengage the first elongatedstrap from the second elongated strap.
 9. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising the steps of: pulling a first handle to disengage the firstelongated strap from the second elongated strap about a first portion;enabling the alarm system to create an audible alarm; and pulling asecond handle to disengage the first elongated strap from the secondelongated strap about a second portion.
 10. The method of claim 9,further comprising the step of securing the first end of thedouble-release alarm belt in place using a hook and loop fastener.
 11. Adouble-release alarm belt for use with a device holding a patientcomprising: a first elongated strap with a first end, a second end, amidportion located between the first and the second end, an upper side,and an underside; a first fastener extending along the underside of thesecond end of the first elongated strap; a shortened strap with a firstend, a second end, and an upper side, where the first end of theshortened strap is attached to the midportion; a second fastenerextending along the upper side of the shortened strap from the first endof the shortened strap to the second end of the shortened strap; asecond elongated strap with a first end, a second end, an intermediateportion located between the first end and the second end, an upper side,and an underside, the second end of the second elongated strap engagingthe first end of the first fastener; a third fastener extending alongthe underside of the first end of the second elongated strap, the thirdfastener releasably engaged with the second fastener; a fourth fastenerextending along the upper side of the intermediate portion, the fourthfastener releasably engaged with the first fastener; a cord associatedwith the first elongated strap, the second elongated strap, and theshortened strap; and an alarm system in communication with the cord thatgenerates an audible sound when the first fastener is disengaged fromthe fourth fastener.
 12. The double-release alarm belt of claim 11wherein the first fastener is disengaged from the fourth fastener whenthe first fastener is pulled in a first direction; and wherein thesecond fastener is disengaged from the third fastener when the thirdfastener is pulled in a second direction opposite the first direction.13. The double-release alarm belt of claim 11, further comprising: afirst handle mounted to the upper side of the second end of the firstelongated strap; and a second handle mounted to the upper side of thefirst end of the second elongated strap.
 14. The double-release alarmbelt of claim 11, further comprising a fifth fastener associated withthe second end of the second elongated strap that secures the firstelongated strap, the second elongated strap, and the shortened strap ina wrapped position.
 15. The double-release alarm belt of claim 11wherein the first elongated strap, the second elongated strap, and theshortened strap are disposable.
 16. The double-release alarm belt ofclaim 11 wherein the first elongated strap, the second elongated strap,and the shortened strap are reusable.
 17. The double-release alarm beltof claim 11, further comprising a hook mechanism associated with thefirst end of the first elongated strap that comprises a first ring and asecond ring; and wherein the second end of the second elongated strap isthreaded through the first ring and the second ring.
 18. Thedouble-release alarm belt of claim 11, wherein the first fastener andthe fourth fastener are held together by a first bond; wherein thesecond fastener and the third fastener are held together with a secondbond; and wherein the first bond is weaker than the second bond.
 19. Thedouble-release alarm belt of claim 18, wherein the first fastener isdisengaged from the fourth fastener using a first force; wherein thesecond fastener is disengaged from the third fastener using a secondforce; and wherein the first force is less than the second force. 20.The double-release alarm belt of claim 18 wherein the first fastener,the second fastener, the third fastener, and the fourth fastener areselected from one of a hook fastener and a loop fastener.